Learn more about this special program on PBS on Democracy Now! and see Amy Goodman’s Maker’s interview, visithttp://owl.li/i4npk. The new PBS documentary, “Makers: Women Who Make America,” tells the story of how women have shaped the United States over the last 50 years through political and personal empowerment. Narrated by Meryl Streep, “Makers” shares the stories of legendary figures such as Gloria Steinem and Oprah Winfrey, to lesser known pioneers such as Kathrine Switzer. In 1967, Switzer became the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. Her run made headlines when a top race official tried to forcibly remove her from the race. She ended up finishing the marathon and making history.

Kathrine Switzer with a mile to go in the difficult Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, in the South Island of New Zealand. 2010.

Who is Kathrine Switzer?

Iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award-winning television commentator, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. She has been honored widely for her achievements, most recently being inducted into the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame for creating positive social change. The ramifications of this work is both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world and fearlessly empowering millions beyond the finish line, especially through the non-profit “261® Fearless, Inc.”